An oil lamp is an object used to produce light continuously for a period of time using an oil-based fuel source. The use of oil lamps began thousands of years ago and continues to this day, although their use is less common in modern times.
Oil lamps are a form of lighting, and were used as an alternative to candles before the use of electric lights. The use of kerosene lamps began around 1850. In small towns and rural areas, kerosene lamps were used well into the 20th century, until such areas were finally electrified and light bulbs could be used.
Sources of fuel for oil lamps include a wide variety of plants such as nuts and seeds like sesame, olive, castor, or flax. Also widely used were animal fats . Camphine, a blend of turpentine and ethanol, was the first burning fluid fuel for lamps after whale oil supplies were depleted. It was replaced by kerosene.